The bill sponsored by Democrats aimed to establish a right to use in vitro fertilization (IVF), but faced opposition from Republicans who viewed it as a tactic for election-year messaging. The measure, known as the Right to IVF Act, failed to secure the necessary 60 votes in the Senate on June 13, with Republicans largely voting against it, resulting in a 48-47 defeat. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) switched his vote to “no” at the last minute to potentially reintroduce the bill later.
In addition to guaranteeing a legal right to fertility treatments, the bill would have mandated private and federal health insurance plans to cover IVF procedures and expand access to these treatments for military personnel and veterans. Despite expectations of its failure, Mr. Schumer emphasized the importance of the vote as a reflection of lawmakers’ stances on women’s rights to IVF.
The Republican senators affirmed their support for IVF but accused Democrats of fearmongering, stating that IVF is already legal and accessible nationwide. The push to solidify access to IVF followed a ruling in Alabama recognizing human embryos from IVF as children under state law, prompting concerns about potential legal challenges in other states. Sens. Katie Britt (R-Ala.) and Ted Cruz (R-Texas) proposed their own legislation to safeguard IVF access, which faced opposition from Democrats over concerns about First Amendment protections.
House Democrats, led by Rep. Susan Wild (D-Pa.), championed a companion bill in the House with bipartisan support, urging action over words of support. Discussions were ongoing about potentially forcing a vote on the bill through a discharge petition, requiring additional Republican support to reach the necessary threshold. The political divide over IVF legislation reflects broader debates on reproductive rights and healthcare access in the United States. Please rewrite this sentence.
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